Steve And The Flight Factor

When it comes to learning all about positive reinforcement techniques, Dot knows exactly who the best man for the job is: renowned avian trainer STEVE MARTIN, who is regarded as the originator of free flight in bird shows and is still an active innovator.

A SMILEY man in his sixties, Steve Martin is considered one of the world’s foremost animal and bird trainers. He has been doing it for 45 years. Back in February, Steve gave a 90-minute presentation at the second WOOF! animal behaviour and training conference at Nottingham University. There, 17 presenters discussed animal training. These methods have evolved from the science of behaviour but the operative principles using positive reinforcement methods are the same across species.

Forty-five years ago, when he was a young falconer, Steve started producing bird shows. He eschewed popular tricks such as getting macaws on skates or riding tiny bikes in favour of free-flight demonstrations. He wanted to show birds exhibiting natural behaviours and is credited as being the originator of free flight in bird shows.